SoCal C2S

I agree with an all cash transaction....

First, it keeps you in check to NOT overextend.
Second, I use it as a negotiation tool....when it gets down to the final strokes, let the dealer (or PP) go emotional and let the car go for cash in hand.

I've done this all my life with any big ticket item.....cash is king.

MalcolmV8

Wow you guys rock. I come back to check my thread and a ton of good info. So much so I had to read the whole thread over twice to absorb everything said.

I'll address some of the points. As for the loan I really try and avoid that unless it's really needed and honestly this is a fun toy car I'll be driving in mild and fair weather. As one guy said paying cash keeps reality in check and I agree. The only debt I have is house loans (I have a rental house in addition to my personal residence). I like to keep it that way.

I'm dead set on a turbo car. That's a must. In recent years all my cars have been supercharged or turbo'd. In fact my Cobra has been through multiple blowers, I've ported them, changed pulleys etc. etc. It's what I love.

Sounds like the 996 is a solid buy for my budget from what you guys are saying. I just have to get by the head light looks and apparently the interior is kinda dated looking. I'm hoping to see a couple in person and see what I think.

If nothing else maybe it's a good thing to start with a 996 and in a year or two upgrade to a 997. I may appreciate a lot of the upgrades a lot more coming from the prior generation.

A few things confused me. So did the 997 TT models only start in 07? For some reason I thought they started in 05. If they only started in 07 then I agree its probably budget busting. Also what's 997.2? At first I thought it was a typo but I've seen it more than once.

Assuming I do find a 997 TT for a steal at $50 ~ $55 is it a much more expensive car to maintain and mod Vs the 996? Or will they be very similar in those costs?

Thanks again everyone, the feed back is really helping and teaching me a lot.

Para82

997TT all the way. You've got 50k cash - you're right there. I've seen them go for 59k (low) and a lot of really nice ones in the mid 60's. Get the 997TT and have no regrets.

Also yes the 997 TT wasn't introduced until 2007. 2007-2009 (997.1) had the famous Metzger engine which is considered a masterpiece among enthusiasts. 2010 introduced the 997.2 Turbo is the first 911 Turbo to have PDK but it also from what I understand does NOT have the Metzger engine. There are probably a few more differences people here can fill in the blanks on.

IMO I would not waste time or money on a stepping stone car in this case (996)....go for the 997.

FlatSix911

Either way, get a turbo as they all have the race proven Metzger engine that will eliminate IMS failures.

gcurnew

I had a 2001 996TT. Sold it after 1 year/12,000km and swore I'd never own another Porsche. Then along came the 997GTS...much better built car than the 996, and with 408 NA horsepower it's as quick as the 996TT I had with 415. Less torque in the GTS, yes, but a much more rewarding car to drive quickly.

MalcolmV8

Could you elaborate on what made you never want another Porsche after owning the 996? Was it build quality, drivability problems, turbo lag, car falling apart, maintenance was just to much?

You said the 997 GTS is much more rewarding to drive. It's smoother? better power ban or what is that you like so much more?

Thanks again for the feedback.

Dennis C

The 996 interior is a little bit dated, but it's comfortable. The turbos have the full-leather interior, which is a nice upgrade. Many of the turbos also have sport seats. The soft leather seat option uses an upgraded leather and it seems to wear better too. If you replace the stereo system with a modern double DIN unit with nav, then interior doesn't look so dated. Once you drive the car though, that's where the fun begins. The 996 turbo is a great driver. They were made from 2001 to 2005, with very little changing during that run. There was a turbo S version in 2005 that has a little more horsepower, PCCB, etc.